Is the Namib a cold desert?

Answer 1

The Namibian Desert is very dry due to the influence of the subtropical ridge, a subtropical zone with strong high pressure systems, which means dry descending, sinking air over the horse latitudes (the latitudes between 30 and 35 degrees south or north), which prevent any ascending movement and annihilates the cloud and rain formation. The subtropical ridge is formed by the general atmospheric circulation, more precisely formed by the Hadley Cell. The aridity of the Namibian Desert is also caused by the influence of a cold ocean current, come directly from the Poles, the Benguela Current which cools off the air along the coast of the South Africa. The Benguela Current prevent any strong air heating, thus preventing the air to lift, to rise up and to form clouds and precipitation although some fog, haze and low clouds are produced but enough rarely. The combinaison of the subtropical high pressure systems belt and the influence of the Benguela Current gives clear skies and sunny, dry weather to the Namibian Desert all the time.

Answer 2

The Andes, to the desert's west, are the primary reason for the Patagonian Desert status as they inhibit the westerly flow of moisture from the southern Pacific from reaching inland. This creates a rain shadow that accounts for the formation of the desert.

Answer 3

Because surface overheating causes moisture coming in from the coast to rise, causing a moisture-free zone.

Answer 4

The Patagonian desert is in the rain shadow of the Andes mountains to the west.

Answer 5

Yes, the Namib Desert is considered a cold desert or a cool coastal desert even though the interior can get quite hot during the day.